Fifteen Seconds

One of the most important ways to save money in life (as well as alot of wasted time in doctor's offices, buying medicines, paying co-pays, missing work or class, or simply missing out) is to stay healthy.  You see this phrase as part of every single recipe I post:  WASH YOUR HANDS, because this is one of the most effective, and certainly cheapest, ways to prevent yourself and others from getting sick.

Remember these simple facts:
(Adapted from the HandWashing Initiative pamphlet)

1. 80% of all infectious diseases are transmitted by touch.
2. Fingernails harbor the most micro-organisms.  Please stop picking your nose!
3. 15 seconds of soap and water is all you need to reduce bacteria, BUT
4. 30 seconds will reduce skin bacteria 10 times more than 15 seconds
5. Chicago had 83% (the best) hand-washing compliance after using the toilet.  New York had 49% (the worst) compliance.
6. Hand washing is especially important during cold and flu season in addition to getting vaccinated.   It also prevents the spread of serious diseases such as hepatitis A and meningitis.
7. You don't want influenza.
8. You don't want meningitis.
9. Your personal toilet throne at home is NOT cleaner, germless, safer--wash your hands!
10. Oh yeah, you don't want diarrhea, either!

Proper Technique:
1. Wet your hands with warm running water.
2. Add soap and rub your hands together until you have a soapy lather.
3. Wash front and back and in-between, especially under your finger nails
4. Rinse hands under running water.
5. Dry hands with a clean towel.  Pat dry to avoid excessive chapping.
6. Use moisturizer during the day.

Type of Soap?
Any soap.
Please.
Just Do It.

IN FOOD PREPARATION YOU SHOULD NOT USE COMMON HAND TOWELS TO DRY HANDS. 

USE DISPOSABLE TOWELS!